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The Bi-Monthly Newsletter of the Hampton Roads Chapter 
Military Officers Association of America
A MOAA Five Star Level of Excellence Chapter 2004-2005, 
MOAA Best Web Site, and a MOAA Best Electronic Newsletter.
Serving Suffolk, Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach since 1959
Email/Website:
hrmoaa@cox.net
www.hrcmoaa.org

Address:
HRCMOAA
P.O. Box 4612
Virginia Beach, VA
23454-0612

VOL 30-NO 3
ONE POWERFUL VOICE
MAY 2006

In This Issue
President's Commentary
HRCMOAA Directory
From the Editor
Legislative Issues
February Luncheon
MOAA Scholarship Fund
ID Card Renewal Form
Chapter Schedule
April Function
May Harbor Cruise
ID Cards Without Reporting
HRCMOAA Membership Totals
Volunteers Needed
Chapter Secretary Needed
Drake Bill Protects TRICARE
VCOC Scheduled Functions
In-State Tuition
VA Surviving Spouse Web Site
Congressional Appreciation Luncheon
VCOC Minute Man Award
USS Franklin Notice
ROTC/JROTC Schedule
MIDN Hawkins Receives Award
HRCMOAA Welcomes
Invalid Email Addresses
In Memorium
The Tribute
In honor of those who have sacrificed
to keep our country free.
Courtesy of the Arlington National Cemetery Website Images 

 
Top of Page
US Air Force
US Army
US Navy
US Marine Corps
US Coast Guard
Visit  our “MOAA Best” website at www.hrcmoaa.org, read the “MOAA Best” Electronic Newsletter, access MOAA national, Service Departments, Health and Benefit  locations, U. S. Senators and Representatives and many others.  If you do not have the Members Only “Password” please contact any of our Officers. 
Top of Page

President's Commentary

Our April Social Dinner was a great success. Our speaker was Commonwealth Attorney for Virginia Beach, Harvey Bryant. He discussed the various activities that his office handles and gave us some great advice on how to prevent ID (Identification) theft. 

I’ve had a several discussions with members who regret that they have not been attending our meetings and socials and actively participating in Chapter activities. If you are one of these, please reflect on what it means to be a member of Hampton Roads Chapter of MOAA. By your membership in our Chapter and MOAA, you enable it to: 

1.  Be proactive in support of leglation designed to support national defense, to benefit the uniformed services and to enhance the welfare of Service members, their families and retirees.

2.  To be an active supporter of several ROTC and JROTC programs in Hampton Roads area and regularly participate in their ceremonies.

3.  To participate in the USNI Warfare Symposium Recruiting Booth annually.

4.  To sponsor a USMC “Toys for Tots” annual program.

5.  To publish this Newsletter to keep you informed on various matters of interest and potential action to be taken on such items as, TRICARE and other pertinent programs.

6.  To be active in civic activities such as, Virginia Beach task force on aging, to volunteer at the Retired Activities Offices in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, to encourage participation in local military and Red Cross blood drives, to support the retention of NAS Oceana 
and many other activities.

7.  To have a Chapter Web site and an active email alert mechanism.

8.  To Be a MOAA “Level of Excellence” Five Star Chapter: 2004, 2005.

In summary, your membership provides you and the chapter with “ONE Powerful Voice” both locally and nationally in support of Officers and all veterans, their spouses and widows. Also, your membership in HRCMOAA provides the opportunity:

1.  To be a part of a professional organization made up of men and women officers of all ranks in the community.

2.  The chance to unwind and enjoy the camaraderie of a lunch, dinner, picnics, boat cruise or social with friends who share the bond of Officers. 

3.  To meet people who are concerned with the National Defense of our country and the support of our troops.

4.  To become proactive and respond when called upon in matters of great concern to all of us. 

The foregoing comments are only a few examples of what goes on in your Hampton Roads Chapter of MOAA and it should help you answer the question: “What’s in it for me?” This should enable you to help us recruit new members for our Chapter and MOAA and to keep our Chapter strong and continue to be a powerful voice in the local community, state, and nation.  Please call an Officer friend or widow and invite him or her to become a member of your MOAA Chapter, today.

Smooth Sailing,

Ray  Hart.
HRCMOAA Directory

Officers

Directors

Committees

President: 430-8771
CAPT Raymond J. Hart, USN-Ret.
hrmoaa@cox.net
1st Vice President: 640-0947
LtCol James M. Dellaripa Sr, USAF-Ret.
2nd Vice President: 363-1094
MAJ Norman Crews, USA-Ret.
Secretary: 362-0030
Mrs Patricia H. Doss,
Aux.
Treasurer: 739-3904
LCDR M. Catherine Liberatore, USN-Ret
CDR John E. Vermillion, USN-Ret.
382-9843 
CDR John A. Rooney, USN-Ret.
427-2402
Col Jack W. Hilgers, USMC-Ret.
490-8383
Mrs. Mickie Jones,
AUX .
716-2644
LtCol Mary L. Baeumel, USAFNC-Ret.
716-2497
CAPT Jim Jones,
USN-Ret.
481-1919
CAPT Bill Lehr, 
USCG-Ret.
426-5392
Program: 640-0947
LtCol James M. Dellaripa Sr, USAF-Ret.
Arrangements: 362-0030
Patricia H. Doss, Aux
VCOC Representative: 382-9843
CDR John E. Vermillion, USN-Ret.
Legislative Affairs: 490-8383
Col Jack W. Hilgers, USMC-Ret.
Personal Affairs: 486-7639
CAPT James D. Hereford, USN-Ret.
Membership: 425-5934
COL James A. Smith, USA-Ret
Publicity: 363-1094
MAJ Norm Crews,
USA-Ret.
Community Affairs: 445-4174
CAPT Tim Stark, USNR
CAPT Pat McFadden, USN-Ret.
Information Systems: 481-0694
Col Richard A. Vogel, USAF-Ret.
Webmaster 490-5792
Maj Clifton G. Furedy. USAF-Ret.
thrcmoaa@cox.net
Editor: 382-9843
CDR John E. Vermillion, USN-Ret.
Vermillj@cox.net
From the  Editor

The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial

The memorial will honor our disabled veterans and add to the beauty of our nation's capital and will  become one of our country's treasured landmarks.  A fitting tribute to the brave men and women who stand watch over America.  It will be located on an impressive two-acre site within full view of the U.S. Capitol, adjacent to the National Mall, and across Independence Avenue from the U.S. Botanic Garden, at Washington Avenue (Canal Street) and Second Street, SW. 

The Memorial design was conceived by Michael Vergason Landscape Architects, Ltd. The design concept was approved in 2004 by the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission. Through the use of marble and glass, the Memorial will convey an interplay of strength and vulnerability, loss and renewal. All visitors will learn the value of courage, sacrifice, tenacity, loyalty and honor, by bearing witness to the experiences of our disabled heroes. 
The focal point of the Memorial will be a star-shaped reflecting pool, its surface broken only by a single eternal flame. A grove of trees will stand beside the pool, signifying the persistence of hope.  Dedicated to both the living and the deceased, the Memorial will hold a special place in the hearts of all Americans, and will serve as a never-ending reminder to all of the cost of human conflict. 

Maury High School NJROTC raises funds.

Cadets of the Maury High School NJROTC Unit in Norfolk, Virginia raised $8,000 to support the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial by raking leaves, babysitting, and cleaning out basements. These are a few of the ways the cadets of the Maury High School raised a remarkable $8,000 to support the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial. 

Contributions. 

All members wishing to contribute may send a check or money order made out to
"Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation" or "DVLMF" to: 

     Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation
     2300 Clarendon Blvd. Suite 302, Arlington, VA 22201.

Donate by Phone, call (888) 525-2009 to make a credit card contribution, using Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express.

Donate on line by visiting the website at www.avdlm.com

See below for an illustration by Michael McCann of the proposed memorial.  Please visit the website for additional illustrations and more information on site location and purpose. 

John


North entry to the proposed DVLMF memorial.
Legislative Issues

Issue 1:   House, Senate Bash Fee Hike Plan
At a March 14 hearing, military association leaders got a chance to tell the Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee what they think of the Defense Department's plan to triple the fees military retirees under age 65 pay for their health care.  CEOs of MOAA, the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), the National Military Family Association (NMFA), and the Reserve Officers Association (ROA) all took issue with at least some aspects of the DoD plan.  MOAA and FRA urged the subcommittee to reject any fee increases. 

MOAA President VADM Norb Ryan, Jr. (USN-Ret.) said the DoD proposal is "inappropriate and disproportional," and cited a MOAA survey indicating that 95% of active duty and retired members alike oppose the fee increases.  Such increases will just "anger the troops, leave the health budget under-funded, and put our volunteer force at further risk," he said.  He offered the subcommittee a list of 16 alternative ways the Defense Department can reduce health costs without charging beneficiaries.  Ryan also urged the subcommittee to address concerns about force size, SBP, concurrent receipt, and Guard/Reserve health care and retirement.

NMFA President Tanna Schmidli adamantly opposed any enrollment fee for TRICARE Standard or any increase to pharmacy copayments, but said NMFA supports a 31% increase in TRICARE Prime enrollment fees and TRICARE Standard deductibles over two years, with future annual increases tied to retired pay growth.  ROA Executive Director LTG Dennis McCarthy (USMC-Ret) said ROA supports the "balanced approach of the Joint Chiefs of Staff," who have endorsed the DoD plan.  However, he recommended delaying implementation until the Pentagon does a better job of explaining its numbers and does more to hold down its own costs, and urged phasing the increases in over a longer period.

Subcommittee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC) expressed his opinion that, "Erosion of benefits is coming.  It's a question of whether it will be a hard or a soft landing."  But both Graham and Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE), the Subcommittee's senior Democrat, told reporters after the hearing that they agreed with association leaders that the Pentagon-proposed fees are way too steep, that no changes should be made until the Defense Department cleans up its own financial house, and that any fee hikes that may ultimately be considered would be well short of those proposed by the Pentagon


Issue 2:  Edwards, Jones Champion Bill to Ban Fee Hikes
On March 15, Reps. Chet Edwards (D-TX) and Walter Jones (R-NC) joined with 46 other cosponsors to introduce H.R. 4949, the Military Retirees Health Care Protection Act.  "I believe that keeping our promise of quality, affordable health care for military retirees is the right thing to do and the smart thing to do," said Edwards.  "To win the war on terrorism, we must keep faith with our warriors and stop this military retiree tax." 

Jones agreed, stating, "I don't understand any Administration, Republican or Democrat, that can ask you to go to war and raise fees for military healthcare.  Military families are watching what we're doing; it's an issue of trust.  We have to protect those who protect us from our enemies."  Edwards and Jones sit on the three committees that control the issue.  Edwards is on the House Budget Committee and is the senior Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees military healthcare Jones serves on the Armed Services Committee.

Speaking at the press conference, MOAA President VADM Norb Ryan, Jr. offered the two legislators his "profound thanks for your leadership and vision.  You know what the Pentagon is forgetting - that the All-Volunteer Force is at risk.  To those who think military people have such a great health care deal, I ask why there aren't lines around the block at every recruiting station?  It's because few Americans are willing to pay the heavy premiums that career servicemembers pay, and pay up front:  the decades of sacrifice that are the price of earning that health benefit." Please visit http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/bills/?bill=8587066 and enter your ZIP code to urge your U.S. Representative to cosponsor this important bill.
MOAA is working with a potential sponsor for a companion bill in the Senate.

Above left to right are Mr. Joe DiRenzo III, Anti-Terrorism Coordinator for the Coast Guard Atlantic Area and Mr. Christopher Doane, Chief of Response and Port Security for the Coast Guard Atlantic Area.
HRCMOAA Luncheon for 23 February 06
The luncheon was held at the Ramada Plaza Resort at the Oceanfront.  Over 60 people were in attendance.  All in attendance thoroughly appreciated the power point  presentation  presented by the Coast Guard representatives shown above.  The subject was Anti-Terrorism precautions  since 9-11 and a look at the overall responsibilities for port security in the United States and throughout the world.  It really brought to light just how much the Coast Guard does for the Security of the US.  Our 2nd Vice President, LCOL Jim Dellaripa is shown below presenting Mr.  Joe DiRenzo III with an engraved silver cup with thanks for the very informative presentation.
MOAA Scholarship Fund
Memorial contributions may be made for deceased members to the MOAA Scholarship Fund, at Dept 889, Alexandria, VA 22334-0889.  Contributions may also be made at www.moaa.org.  Or you  may call 800-234-6622
The HRCMOAA has introduced a Military ID Card Notification Program to help chapter members remember to renew their ID cards and their dependent's ID cards in a timely fashion.  Once you and your dependents are enrolled,  you will be notified of your impending ID card expiration date in sufficient time for renewal prior to the expiration date.  Note:  Over age 75 members, who are eligible uniform family members and survivors of deceased personnel are now eligible for Permanent Identification Cards.  Apply within 90 days of expiration of current ID card.
 
To enroll in this voluntary program, fill in the form at the link below for each dependent and Send by Email or Print and Mail to: Military ID Card Notification Program, HRCMOAA, P.O. Box 4612, Virginia Beach, VA 23454-0612.
 
CLICK HERE FOR
Military ID Card Notification Program
Form
CHAPTER SCHEDULE

For the most current and up-to-date schedule of chapter events, click on Calendar of Events


Board Meetings

Board meetings will be held on the 1st Saturday of each month at the Little Creek Eagle Haven Golf Club, starting at 0830.  All members are invited to attend.  There will be no meeting in May.  The June meeting will be on 10 June.  Come and observe your Board in action and see if there are any committees that you might be interested in helping out.  Contact a board member to confirm the meeting date. 

HRCMOAA April Function
All attending members enjoyed the evening function held at the Holiday Inn Executive Center.  Our guest speaker  was the Virginia Beach Commonwealth Attorney, Harvey Bryant.  He provided a very interesting presentation  on the total operation of his office and what to look for and steps to take to avoid Identity Theft.  President Ray Hart is shown below presenting Harvey with an engraved silver cup and our thanks.
HRCMOAA HARBOR CRUISE 

WHEN: Saturday, May 6, 2006
WHERE: Spirit of Norfolk Cruise Ship
Waterside Drive, Norfolk, Virginia
TIME: Board at 11:00 AM.: Sail at 11:30 AM
MENU: Military Classic Lunch
PRICE: $25.00m (inclusive) per person
You may bring a check to the boarding area where a MOAA representative will have your tickets.  “No cash will be handled and no change available.”
PROGRAM: Elizabeth River and Harbor Tour, Luncheon
RESERVATIONS: No more Reservations will be accepted.
ID card issuing Procedures for Applicants
who cannot report in person
The following are examples of persons who may be unable to report to the place of issue to obtain a machine readable ID Card. 
1. People who live far from a military facility. 
2. Are physically handicapped. 
3. Have no means of transportation.
4. Are hospitalized or sick. 
Please contact your local Personnel Support Detachment at the nearest military base for the exact procedures to accomplish this task.

If you need a ride to renew you ID card please contact any of our Officers and they will assist you in finding transportation. 

HRCMOAA Membership
Regular
587
Auxiliary
111
Honorary
Total
701
Volunteers Needed for the Hampton Roads 
Retired Activities Office 

Are you bored?  Tired of sitting home?  Would like to get involved in helping out retired service members and their families?  If so, contact your Chapter coordinator: CAPT James Hereford, USN (Ret) at 486-7639 to participate and offer your services. No experience is required; we'll train you. 

Volunteer Needed for the Position of Secretary. 
We need a volunteer Officer or Auxiliary Member to be our Chapter Secretary.  Our previous Secretary moved from the area.  Please contact your President, CAPT Ray Hart, USN (Ret) at 757-430-8771 or by email rayhart71@cox.net
Drake Original Cosponsor of Bipartisan Bill to Protect TRICARE Beneficiaries from Rate Increases

Congresswoman Thelma Drake (R-VA) announced that she is an original cosponsor of legislation introduced in the House that will prevent the Department of Defense from raising health insurance premiums, co-pays and deductibles paid by military retirees without Congressional approval. Introduced by Walter Jones (R-N.C.) and Chet Edwards (D-TX), the Commitment to Healthcare for Military Retirees Act was referred to the House Armed Services Committee for further consideration.

“It is unacceptable to ask our military retirees to bear the burden of our budget woes at a time when many of America’s seniors are unable to afford the rising cost of medical services and prescription drugs,” said Rep. Drake. “The affordable coverage offered by TRICARE is the continuation of a promise made to the warfighters of yesterday and a major tool in recruiting the warfighters of tomorrow. We must do everything we can to reform the current system without asking those who served this nation with courage and valor to pay higher fees”.

“As Vice-chair of the House Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Military Personnel, I look forward to working with my colleagues on this issue so that we can remain unwavering in our commitment to America’s veterans.”  Visit Congresswoman Drake’s website at www.drake.house.gov for more information.

VCOC Scheduled Functions 
The annual Congressional Luncheon was held at the Senate Russell Building, Caucus Room SR-325, on 5 April 2006,  The VCOC quarterly meeting was held at Fort Lee on 21 April 2006.  The next Quarterly meeting will be held on 14 July 2006.  Contact your VCOC representative John Vermillion at 382-9843, if you would like to attend any VCOC function.
In-State Tuition 
The bill granting In-state Tuition for dependents of active duty military personnel has been signed by the Governor of Virginia and goes into affect on 1 July 2006. Championed by Delegate Suit, herself a military spouse, this bill was supported by the National Military Family Association NMFA, MOAA, other military associations, and by the Department of Defense. The bill passed the House unanimously on February 14, and was then communicated to the Senate. On March 2 the bill was heard by the Committee on Education and Health.  After a presentation by Delegate Suit in front of an audience that included all association representatives, the bill was reported to the Senate and a final vote was held March 6.  It was passed and sent to the Governor for signature and he signed it.

Virginia HB695  —In-state tuition for dependents of active duty military personnel.  Provides that all dependents of active duty military personnel assigned to a permanent duty station in Virginia who reside in Virginia shall be deemed to be domiciled in the Commonwealth for purposes of eligibility for in-state tuition and shall be eligible to receive in-state tuition in Virginia. All dependents of such military personnel receiving in-state tuition shall be afforded the same educational benefits as any other individual receiving in-state tuition so long as they are continuously enrolled in an institution of higher education in Virginia or are transferring between Virginia institutions of higher education.  This bill incorporates H.B. 482, H.B. 1135, and H.B. 1270. This bill is identical to S.B. 121.  For a full text of the bill go to: http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?061+ful+HB695
New VA Surviving Spouse Web Site
The VA has launched a web site for surviving spouses and military dependents of veterans who died on active duty and surviving spouses of veterans who died after serving their country.  The new Web site, www.vba.va.gov/survivors contains answers to many frequently asked questions and links to other federal agencies and organizations that offer benefits and services to survivors and dependents, including relief societies, support  organizations, support organizations, and the casualty assistance offices for each of the Armed Forces.
The Virginia Council of Chapters, Military Officers Association of America, Twenty First Annual Virginia Congressional Appreciation Luncheon. 
The luncheon honored the 13 Member Virginia Congressional Delegation for their efforts in support of Active Forces, Veterans, Retired Military and their Families.  The Luncheon was held in the Senate Russell Caucus Room of the Senate Russell Building at the invitation of Senator John Warner. 
Shown left to right is Our Chapter President, CAPT Ray Hart, USN (Ret), Congressman Randy Forbes from Virginia’s 4th District, and COL Floyd Gilbert, USA (Ret), current Chapter member and past President.
The guest speakers for the luncheon were Senators John Warner and George Allen.  All of our Congressmen and Congresswomen also had an opportunity to address the Virginia Council of Chapters 160 plus members.  Additionally, VADM Norb Ryan, USN (Ret) and now President of National MOAA spoke on the importance of mailing cards to your Senators and Congresspersons on; Proposed increase in Tricare Fees, Correcting the SBP/DIC offset, and Moving up the effective date of the paid up SBP. 

The VCOC priority concerns are: Increase the size of the Defense Budget, the budget should be greater than 4% of our GDP; Increase the size of our ground forces, active Army to 530,000, Reserves to 350,000, and add 5,000 to the Marines; Stop the erosion of TRICARE benefits for retirees; and finally fix SBP.

Shown above is our HRCMOAA Legislative Representative, COL Jack Hilgers, USMC (Ret) with Congresswoman Thelma Drake from Virginia’s 2nd District.
VCOC Minute Man Award 
This annual award recognizes a member or group from National MOAA Headquarters for their outstanding support of  Virginia Chapter members.  This year the award went to Col James F. Pauls, USAF (Ret) from Council and Chapter Affairs for his outstanding leadership shown to all Virginia Chapters.  Col Pauls is retiring this year and will be missed.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
If you are a survivor or a family member of a survivor who served on board the USS Franklin, which was attacked and severely damaged in the raid on Pearl Harbor, please contact the Editor at 757-382-9843
Community Affairs
ROTC/JROTC Schedule
School 
Date
Time
Location
ROTC
ODU AROTC 
ODU NROTC
NSU NROTC 

04-20-2006
04-15-2006
04-05-2006

1400
1000
1500

ODU
NSU
NSU
JROTC
Princess Anne 
Salem 
First Colonial 
Landstown 
Green Run 

05-18-2006
04-26-2006
04-19-2006
06-06-2006
05-17-2006

1830
1900
1830
1830
1800

PAHS
SHS
FCHS
LHS
Oceana O’Club
Norfolk
Lake Taylor 
Maury 
Booker T. Washington 
Granby 
Norview 
(Combined Ceremony)
Combined Ceremony
 
 
 
 

06-02-2006


 
 
 
 

1000 

NOB
NOB
NOB
NOB
NOB
NOB
Interested Members please contact CAPT Tim Stark at 836-1646 to help present awards.
MIDN Matthew Hawkins is shown with his MOAA medal and certificate for Leadership Excellence.  It was presented by CDR John E. Vermillion, USN Ret. HRCMOAA.  (Picture after ceremony)

The NROTC Hampton Roads was commissioned 1 July 1982.  It was the first unit to offer complete NROTC programs at three separate institutions, including Hampton University, Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University.  The guest speaker was Rear Admiral Julius S. Caesar,  Reserve Deputy Commander, Navy Installations. 

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

To protect member privacy,
New Members and Directory Changes
are only available through the Members Access page.


Directory Changes and Email Corrections should be sent to
HRCMOAA
P.O. Box 4612
Virginia Beach, VA  23454-0612
Attention Dick Vogel
You may call Dick at 481-0694 or email vogelra1@msn.com
Invalid Email Addresses

Edward  D. Hendren <hendrenbeach@cox.net>
Jerry W. Odom <mfjwodom@cs.com>

If you have a new Email address, email it to Dick Vogel at vogelra1@msn.com
IN MEMORIUM

CAPT William E. Fly, USN (Ret)
(Isabel M.)

LCDR Wayne S. Henderson, USN (Ret)
(Belisa B.)

 The chapter members extend their sincere condolences
to the surviving family members.


All information contained in this web site is the exclusive property of Hampton Roads Chapter MOAA (HRCMOAA) © 2006
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